Revealing the design of a new monument for Dublin on the site where the Nelson Pillar once stood.
On 8 March 1966, the upper section of the Dublin landmark of Nelson Pillar was destroyed by a bomb planted by republican dissidents. The remainder of the pillar was subsequently blown up by engineers from the Irish Army.
Today, Dublin Corporation announced the design to replace it.
A new 120 metre high structure will tower over O'Connell Street and be visible from many parts of the city. Constructed of stainless steel sheets the new monument by day will reflect the surrounding streetscape. At night, parts of the new structure will be illuminated.
Dick Gleeson from Dublin Corporation, describes how the structure will have a perforated upper section with a cone of solid glass at the very top.
This is going to be a very beautiful presence at the top of the monument at night time.
Selected from over 200 entries the winning structure is by United Kingdom based designer Ian Ritchie who decided to make no reference to Nelson. The group of architects and artists who chose the winning design believe that the public will like it. Joan O'Connor, a member of the selection panel, describes the structure as simple and aspirational.
It's going to cast wonderful shadows. It's going to be there all the time in our consciousness of Dublin.
The monument will be constructed within 12 months at a cost of almost £4 million.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 25 November 1998. The reporter is Carole Coleman.
